1996 CHEVROLET EXPRESS radiator cap

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Cooling System
When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what
you’ll see:
A. Radiator Pressure Cap
B. Coolant Recovery Tank
C. Engine Fan(s)
If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling,
don’t
do anything else until it cools down.
The coolant level should be at
or above the FULL
COLD mark.
If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the
radiator hoses, heater
hoses, radiator, water pump or
somewhere else in the cooling system.
5-12

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They
are under pressure, and
if you turn the pressure
cap
-- even a little -- they can come out at high
speed. Never turn the
cap when the cooling
system, including the radiator pressure cap, is
hot. Wait for the cooling system and radiator
pressure cap to cool
if you ever have to turn the
pressure cap.
5-15

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap
and upper radiator hose,
is no longer hot. Turn the
pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until it first
stops. (Don’t press down while turning the
pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means
there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
5-16

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 5. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but
leave
the radiator pressure cap off.
I
6. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine fan.
7. By this time the coolant level inside the radiator
filler neck may be lower. If the level
is lower, add
more of the proper mix through the filler neck until
the level reaches the base of the filler neck.
5-18

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper mix ut the
coolant recovery tank.
I
L
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow
steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you will
almost never have to add coolant at the radiator.
Never turn the radiator pressure cap
-- even a
little 0- when the engine and radiator are hot.
Add coolant mix at the recovery tank, but be careful not
to spill it.
A CAUTION: - -
- , .'.
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on
a hot engine.
Radiator Pressure Cap
The radiator pressure cap must be tightly installed with
the arrows
on the cap lined up with the overflow tube on
the radiator filler neck.
I NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a pressure-type cap and
must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss
and possible engine damage from overheating. Be
sure the arrows on the cap line up with the
overflow tube on the radiator filler neck.
6-23

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine cooling system. The thermostat stops the
flow
of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an
AC@ thermostat
is recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is
a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise.
A fluid loss in this system
could indicate
a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, unscrew the cap
and ,wipe
the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap
and completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again
and look at the fluid level
on the dipstick.
The level should be at the
FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the
level up to
the mark.
To prevent brake fluid contamination, never check or fill
the power steering reservoir with the master cylinder
cover off.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of fluid
to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants’’ in the Index. Always use the proper fluid.
Failure
to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and
damage hoses and seals.
6-24

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, b, IP S‘ ure to re
:ad
the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
If you will be
operating your vehicle
in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that
has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
I
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID. Add washer
fluid until the tank is full.
~
NOTICE:
0
0
0
0
When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.
Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution to fre,eze
and damage your washer fluid tank and
other parts of the washer system. Also,
water doesn’t clean as well
as washer fluid.
Fill your washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it’s very cold. This
allows for expansion, which could damage
the tank
if it is completely full.
Don’t use radiator antifreeze in your
windshield washer.
It can damage your
washer system and paint.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Fuel Tank Capacity
TYPE
Standard Tank
Cutaway Standard Tank
Cutaway Optional Tank
All quantities are approximate.
QUANTITY
3 1 gallons (1 17.3 L)
35 gallons (132 L)
55 gallons (208.2 L)
Normal Replacement Parts
Engine “VORTEC” 4300
VIN w
Oil Filter PF52
Air Cleaner Filter* A9 17C
PCV Valve CV789C
Spark
Plugs 4 1-932
Fuel Filter GF48
1
Radiator Cap RC36 VORTEC”
5000
M
PF1218
A9 17C
cv774c
4 1-932
GF48
1
RC36
*For severe dusty conditions, use
AC Air Filter, Part No. 1236C. “VORTEC”
5700
R
PF1218
A9 17C
cv774c
4 1-932
GF48
1
RC36 “VORTEC” 7400
J
PF1218
A917C
cv774c
4 1-932
GF48
1
RC36
6-67